The Grace of GOD

 July 8, 2025 – Compilation of the One Week Meditational Bible Study from the Book of Acts 15 KJV

For Mithcah Bible Baptist Church Bahrain 

Morning Online Devotional Bible Study and Group Prayer Fellowship July 9, 2025

 

“36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.
37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.”

LESSON: The Grace of GOD

 

Acts 15:1-5 KJV -
“1And certain men which came down from Judæataught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.
5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.”

A. This is the first condescending disputation that was experienced by Paul and Barnabas from the believing Jews; refuting their teaching of saving by grace through faith alone (Acts 16:31); they interjected with what they, the Jewish believers were taught to do: faith with obedience to the law of Moses(Acts 2:38)for them to be saved. 

The Jewish believers’ disputations were as if they knew better; insisting the doctrine given only for them is the true and correct. Because the gospel of salvation to the Gentiles was hidden from them, it was only revealed to Apostle Paul. They were so confused and they could not understand why The LORD has not given the same doctrinal teachings for the Gentiles to Apostle Paul. It is still clear to them what the LORD taught them; they were there listening during the time JESUS taught them before His crucifixion.

That after Paul and Barnabas boldly stand and speak, for what the LORD taught them: that they should teach and lead the Gentile believers to this Gospel: that if they only accept GOD’s gift of salvation in CHRIST, believe that through faith in the LORD JESUS death, burial and resurrection, confessing with their mouth that GOD  raised JESUS from the dead, they shall be saved;(Romans 10:9, 1 Cor.15:1-4) the contention arose between them. So, for them to be reconciled, they resorted and agreed together to consult the matter to the apostles which were in Jerusalem. And, so they went with them together to go back in Jerusalem. And while along the way, they could not contain themselves but keep preaching the gospel of grace; they proclaimed to those believers in Phenice and Samaria how the multitude of the Gentiles to whom they preached accepted, believed and were converted in the faith of JESUS CHRIST. This brought great joy to them who are in Samaria and Phenice. 
As therefore we continue tending, teaching and being taught in the word of the LORD, we may encounter the same disputations. But let us not be shaken; for if we are confident that we are standing on the solid and pure word of The LORD, He will keep them be lead also in the truth.
Do not be discouraged but keep standing on the solid ground: which is the pure word of the LORD.

Acts 15:6-12 KJV
[6] And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
[7] And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
[8] And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
[9] And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
[10] Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
[11] But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
[12] Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

As the disputing parties were presented in the audience of the apostles and elders, Apostle Peter stood to testified how he was being called by The LORD to have witnessed to the Gentiles through the summoning of him by the Centurion Cornelius.  To them was the LORD commanded him to preach salvation by grace through faith. And from that evangelizing, many got saved and with the HOLY GHOST they were filled.
We can assume that these converts did grow in grace, continued in prayer and learn more what they should observe, what they should do and what should not. For salvation changes the hearts and minds of a person; taking heed to study GOD’s words, learning the doctrine of grace with obedience to their Master and LORD JESUS CHRIST through the teaching of the Apostles.
There should not be contention nor imposing authority to everyone. For every called believers who indwells by the HOLY GHOST are expected to grow in learning from the words, living by the words and loving the words which was spoken of by JESUS: our Savior and LORD.
Spiritual growth then is concluded that it comes from listening, learning, living and loving the doctrine taught first by The LORD JESUS CHRIST, of which were, through the dispensation of grace was given to us by His apostles; to whom was given the authority to teach two different group of people: the Jews and the Gentiles which were and are now united as one in the body of CHRIST. One Faith, One Baptism, One Savior and One GOD in the Name of our Savior and LORD CHRIST JESUS.
To Him be glory forever and ever!
Amen!


Acts 15:13-29 KJV -
13 And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:
14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:
24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:
25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.
28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.”

Then after the resolution of the disputations, a letter from the Apostles and elders was written for the Gentile believers, which was initiated by James: the biological brother of The LORD JESUS; the Pastor and the noble Bishop of the Jerusalem Church. The contents of the letter to the church of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia, containing these matters:

1. Confirmation from what Paul and Barnabas taught the Gentile people: they are ultimatelysaved by grace through faith. No more good works, such as circumcision and added rituals to earn salvation.
2. Commemorating with them of the grace of GOD, with the law of Moses about the four necessary things they should observe to abstainv.20,28,29:

• from meats offered unto idols 

• from fornication 

• from things strangled

• from blood 

3. Commending their sent- out missionaries as the chosen men to minister: Paul, Barnabas, Judas and Silas
4. Correcting the overlapping words spokenabout by certain Jews, who troubled them about the circumcision and the law that it should be observed for their salvation to be completed.

These are the words from the Apostles and elders of the church of Jerusalem; from whom and where everybody considered that the commission of evangelization started. Taking with them what The LORD has commanded them while He is ascending to heaven:

“Matthew 28:18-20 KJV - 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Mark 16:15-16 KJV - 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”

While our salvation has been confirmed, let us also commemorate these things which all of the early Christians observed; who have been taughtand tempered with testing and trials of their faith. Some of us are confused which way and words we should obey. But if we will keep in mind that we are a vessels-of-honor molded by TheLORD, and have been indwells by the HOLY GHOST, what He instructed us we must obey. There may be some struggles within our mind, but we must remember that we are commended bythe Most High GOD who counted us as His beloved children. Children of light and not of darkness. Let our minds, hearts and disposition be regularly corrected by the word of GOD; to not be always easily convinced by our own intellectual reasonings. For our self- righteousness may fails us; but obedience in the word of CHRIST will lead us to a higher level of our faith that will surely ushers us to a more noble manner way of living.
Let go of our pride and let GOD perfected His works within us.

Acts 15:30-35 KJV
30 So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:
31 Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.
32 And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
33 And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles.
34 Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.
35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.”

Words of contentions brings division, but words of encouragement uplift the spirit and brings consolation.
From these acts of the Apostles comes the words from the LORD; the very truth which we have right now and have become the basis of our faith and practices; even giving us this insight that no one called to serve The LORD should overstep nor overlap the words from the LORD spoken of by another, who is called for the specific field of work the LORD intended to have given to him, who is purposefully called and sanctified minister for that specific works.

 This clarifies that each one has calling. If Paul and Barnabas were sanctified and were separated by the HOLY GHOST, called to serve to minister to the Gentiles, they must have done their works without interruption; except from the unbelieving which were already foretold by The LORD JESUS to them, then we’re supposed to be steadfast in the ministry wherewith the LORD called us to serve.  These should enlighten and encourage us to keep on going.
Let nothing hinders us from the work to which the LORD called us to do.
May the LORD find us faithfully doing everythingfor Him.


Acts 15:35-41 KJV - 35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.
37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.
41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

B. The first contention detailed as sharp between two evangelism partners sanctified and separated by the HOLY GHOST: between Paul and Barnabas. 

The Reason: John Mark inconsistency.

• Paul’s resolute disposition strongly disagreed to bring John Mark with them on their next ministerial journey. Might be because for Paul, John Mark may cause disappointment to the newly converts, and cause delay for their ministerial works.

• Barnabas restorative demeanor would not easily be giving up a protegee, particularly a next of kin: a nephew from his cousin Mary, of whom he might have seen GOD’s anointing. For it was John Mark who has been the author of the Book of Mark, through the inspiration of the HOLY GHOST. The Book of Mark by the way, is the second in the arranged book of the New Testament, the second among the synoptic Gospel, the first one to be written among the four Gospel; written for the Romans around 70AD.

Both of them are right and have their own reasons. But the contention is so sharp that they could not come to agreement until they decided to parted their ways. 

Both yielded fruits from their ministries, and both have been reconciled before their missionary journey have come to an end. 

This implies that sometimes, the LORD might have stirred up contention for His beloved servants to stand on their own. That is the beauty of diversities. Our individualities and perceptions are useful to the ministries which may be effective to some people with common grounds as ours. No talent nor one’s discretion is wasted if it is wholeheartedly offered to serving The LORD, particularly in affecting other people’s lives.

We just have to always commune and be always willing to consult GOD through our sincere and earnest prayers. Giving to Him all of our cares and concerns. Willing to surrender all to His blessed will. Loving Him first before anyone or anything else, and Living within the perimeter of His protective care. For the grace of GOD diversifies our characters from one to another. Even our talents and our mind-setting are not totally alike to one of our peers. This is the balance the LORD sets for us human beings. All are individually created in His image and in His likeness. But sin separated us from Him, that need to have sent us our Redeemer. And now that we are being called, it is a great opportunity to avail the bountiful grace of GOD, by making us available to be use for the spreading of the Gospel. Let each of us keep on growing in learning the word, keep on going to share His word, and keep on glowing that other’s may see the difference in living by His words. 

 

Let our days started with thanksgiving, with our hearts full of gratitude. 

Have a pleasant morning to all.

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We Must with Much Tribulation

 June 30, 2025- Weekly Devotional Bible Study from Acts 14 KJV

For Mithcah Bible Baptist Church- Bahrain 

Morning Online Devotional Bible Study and Prayer Fellowship June 1, 2025

 

“21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,
22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.”

Lesson: We Must with Much Tribulation

 

Acts 14KJV
1 And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.
2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.
3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
4 But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.
5 And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,
6 They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:
7 And there they preached the gospel.
8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:
9 The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,
10 Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked."

As Paul and Barnabas continued their sailing to preach and teach people in every place the LORD led them, many Jews and Gentiles got saved. They do not care much if there were some who disagree, yet those who followed their doctrine protected them from them, who turned their back and withstood their teaching.
They were not discouraged, they continued their ministry and the HOLY GHOST gave them power to heal, even the cripple from the womb, who never experienced to walk, cause by his impotence.
 Then this man leaping and walking, and surely in his voice came out praises; that he too worship the LORD for his healing.
 We might not have done miraculous deeds that may cause others to heal their sicknesses, nor our prayers could not heal the sick: but in sharing the hope of salvation to them who are helpless and lost, which is the best cure and surest healing for the dying souls; is the most concern of our existence: sharing the ultimate blessing for others; so all must know who really is JESUS: Our Master , Savior and Coming King!

Acts 14:11-20 KJV
“11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness 8of men.
12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.
13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.
14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,
15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:
16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.
17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.
18 And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.
19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.
20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.”

Like here in Lystra, where people were raised worshipping idols and Greek gods, Paul and Barbabas left footprints which were recorded in the bible for our admonition. That they even rent their garments and ran in the midst of them; trying to stop them from worshipping and offering sacrifices to them; for as for them, they are the incarnation in the flesh of their gods whom they worship: of Barnabas as Jupiter, and Paul as Mercurius. Then with humility of their mind, with great fear in the True GOD, of whom they have witnessed and have been in a personal encounter with His Only Begotten Son JESUS CHRIST; The Living Manifestation of GOD in the flesh and in the Spirit, they taught the people that worship should only be for Him, and not to them; more so, not even to some the man- made images nor in the mythologies, their mind and belief have been manipulated.

Even the apostles and disciples of CHRIST whom are the saints gone ahead of us,  to be with the LORD, they are pointing us to worship only our Loving LORD and Savior JESUS CHRIST, and not to anything or anyone else; not even to them who have been called to become a channel why we now have GOD’s written words: the bible.
Let our worship , prayers and adoration only be to GOD in the Name of our LORD and Savior JESUS CHRIST; let each of us teach others that His Name be  lifted up only in our lives every day and until our lives be taken to be with Him forever and ever! Amen.

Acts 14:21-28 KJV -
21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,
22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.
25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:
26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.
27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.
28 And there they abode long time with the disciples.

Paul and Barnabas with all heart, soul and mind did the work of preaching and teaching the word of The LORD throughout the region where they have to go. 

Sailing, transporting, walking they did without complaining. They dedicated their lives to preach the gospel of CHRIST, to all who should hear the His word of salvation.

Their work in the ministry has not been undoubting. We may ask within ourselves: didn’t they get tired? How about their sustenance, where did they get? Did they knew somebody within these places who might have hosted them in their period of evangelization? Where did they sleep or take a shower, or even comforted themselves if the nature called them to be at rest?
All these essential things might not have been their concern within the period of their journey; for they knew already that it should not be their’s; for they knew that, if The LORD called them to go, everything will be taken care of by The LORD for them. All they need is to obey without hesitation, without thoughts of doubts; because:

• The GOD they serve is the GOD of all provision, 

• The GOD they serve is the GOD of accurate protection

• The GOD they serve is the GOD withamazing, astounding power.

• The GOD whom they serve is the All-Knowing, Pardon Giver GOD; The GOD whom we serve too; The One of whom His purifying grace makes our world worthy of living still.

 

Let the life of Apostle Paul and Barnabas be our example of obedience as they too set within them the examples of the prophets of old; the likes of Moses, of David, of Samuel, of Gideon of Elijah of Daniel and of the many men and women of faith who trusted the GOD whom they have not seen yet they believe; even the many disciples who have walked with the LORD, who have eaten with Him, witnessed his sufferings, and witnessed how he resurrected, as how He said it to them before He was condemned, and have seen Him ascended.

A powerful message for us whom GOD called in the ministry: when He call us to serve Him, He remove everything that hinders us to obey. Then He equipped us not with material things that would become a burden along the way, but with faith, and in full submission, strength and confidence in His promise that no matter what happen He will be with us, go before us, shield and carry us through every heat and coldness of the changing seasons. That we must, with much tribulation should obey Him, in teaching and preaching His words; whether we think we are worthy or not in people’s eyes, whether they believe us or contend us, whether they accept us or reject us, we have to grow, go and glow in His words. 

Many trials and tribulation we will encounter and have to face still, but let them be as they are, for they are just given, for us to witness how the LORD will deliver us in His Might with miracles and wonders; so that our faith will be more becoming solid and stronger.
Let us take heed to His calling; be ready to answer the call. Not minding the whys and what we might be, For He know who are we in his sight.  And as we go, carry within us His promise that every steps of our way, He is with us; helping us, as we are doing the best we can in moving forward; trusting Him that as we prepare ourselves in facing every challenges with courage; He is working in us unto the perfecting of our wholehearted faith to our Master JESUS CHRIST who never fails.
Have a blessed morning !

Acts 14

King James Version

14 And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.

2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.

3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

4 But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

5 And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,

6 They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:

7 And there they preached the gospel.

8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:

9 The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,

10 Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.

11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.

12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.

13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.

14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:

16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.

17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

18 And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.

19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.

20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:

26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.

27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.

28 And there they abode long time with the disciples.

 

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